Shelter structure and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

A skeletal structure and method of assembly are provided. The skeletal structure includes one or more vertical columns, one or more upper tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns, and one or more base tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns. Upper brackets are attached to the upper tracks, such that the upper brackets attach the upper tracks to the vertical columns. Base brackets are attached to the base tracks, such that the base brackets attach the base tracks to the vertical columns. The skeletal structure is freestanding upon attachment of the upper tracks and the base tracks to the vertical columns.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of: U.S. application Ser. No. 29/765,557, filed Jan. 8, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,544, filed Jan. 15, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,552, filed Jan. 15, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/765,555, filed Jan. 8, 2021; U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,563, filed Jan. 15, 2021; and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/766,538, filed Jan. 15, 2021; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

INTRODUCTION

This disclosure generally relates to skeletal structures for freestanding or non-freestanding buildings or structures and methods of assembling the same.

SUMMARY

A skeletal structure and method of assembly are provided. The skeletal structure includes one or more vertical columns, one or more upper tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns, and one or more base tracks operatively attachable to the vertical columns.

Upper brackets are attached to the upper tracks, such that the upper brackets attach the upper tracks to the vertical columns. Base brackets are attached to the base tracks, such that the base brackets attach the base tracks to the vertical columns. The skeletal structure is freestanding upon attachment of the upper tracks and the base tracks to the vertical columns.

The method of assembly includes laying at least two base tracks on a floor surface; attaching at least three vertical columns to the at least two base tracks; and attaching at least two upper tracks to the vertical columns, opposite the base tracks. Attaching the upper tracks to the vertical columns may occur via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins, and attaching the vertical columns to the base tracks may occur via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins.

The above features and advantages, and other features and advantages, of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a shelter structure or dining structure having a freestanding skeletal structure to which various panels and sheathing elements may be attached.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a front view of a shelter structure similar to that shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an isometric view of a portion of a freestanding skeletal structure configured for a shelter structure, such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a front or side view of the portion of the freestanding skeletal structure shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exploded isometric view of the freestanding skeletal structure shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components wherever possible throughout the several figures. All figures may be referred to in any section of the specification, without regard to numerical order. FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically illustrate isometric and side/front views of a shelter structure 10, which may be used, for example and without limitation, as a dining structure. The shelter structure 10 may be referred to simply as the structure 10. In the example shown, the shelter structure 10 has five sides and is substantially enclosed, however, different numbers of sides are possible and non-enclosed structures are possible.

The structure 10 includes an interior skeletal structure that provides support and helps the structure 10 be freestanding, such that it supports itself without additional support members. Note, however, that some configurations of the structure 10 may be attached to additional structures, such as other buildings or structures.

The structure 10 includes a plurality of wall panels 12 and a plurality of roof panels 14. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are five wall panels 12 and five roof panels 14, such that there is approximately a 70-75 degree angle between adjacent wall panels 12. A door panel 16 or entry panel takes the place of, or may be considered one of, the wall panels 12, and includes an opening 17, which may be selectively closed by a door element (not shown), for ingress and egress from the interior of the structure 10.

A plurality of corner members 18 overlap portions of the wall panels 12, particularly at junctions or abutments between the wall panels 12. Similarly, a ridge cap 20 and a plurality of edge members 22 cover portions of the roof panels 14, particularly at junctions or abutments between the roof panels 14.

The structure 10 is generally assembled on a floor surface 26, which may be an interior surface, an exterior surface, or a combination of both. The floor surface 26 is a substantially flat area upon which the structure 10 may be assembled and is sufficient to provide underlying support for the structure 10. Imperfections in the floor surface 26 may be corrected by techniques recognizable to those having ordinary skill in the art.

While the present disclosure may be illustrated with respect to particular industries or applications, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the products, methods, and techniques, described herein. For example, similar structures, methods, or combinations thereof, may be used in other industries.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” et cetera, are used descriptively of the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the appended claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way.

When used herein, the term “substantially” refers to relationships that are ideally perfect or complete, but where manufacturing realties prevent absolute perfection. Therefore, substantially denotes typical variance from perfection in the relevant art. For example, if height A is substantially equal to height B, it may be preferred that the two heights are 100.0% equivalent, but manufacturing realities likely result in the distances varying from such perfection. Skilled artisans would recognize the amount of acceptable variance. For example, and without limitation, coverages, areas, or distances may generally be within 10% of perfection for substantial equivalence. Similarly, relative alignments, such as parallel or perpendicular, may generally be within 5%.

Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting. Any use of the term, “or,” whether in the specification or claims, is inclusive of any specific element referenced and, also, includes any combination of the elements referenced, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

FIGS. 3-5 show various views of a portion of a skeletal structure 30 for the structure 10. The skeletal structure 30 generally provides the support for the structure 10 and allows the structure 10 to be freestanding, when the structure 10 is configured to be freestanding. FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of a portion of the skeletal structure 30; FIG. 4 shows a front/side view of a portion of the skeletal structure 30; and FIG. 5 shows an exploded isometric view of a portion of the skeletal structure 30. Note that only some portions of the skeletal structure 30 are shown in FIGS. 3-5 and that additional elements may be used for structural support, aesthetics, or both.

The skeletal structure 30 includes several structural elements. A plurality of vertical columns 32 extend upward from the floor surface 26. Each vertical column 32 defines an insertion track 33. In the figures, the insertion track 33 is substantially square, but that configuration is not limiting. The insertion track 33 could also be open, such as a U-shape or triangle shape. For example, and without limitation, where the insertion track 33 is an open, triangle shape, the triangle may be angled relative to the number of sides of the structure 10, such that it may be between 70-75 degrees for the five-sided structure 10 shown in the figures.

A plurality of base tracks 34 are configured to be placed onto the floor surface 26. Each of the base tracks 34 is operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns 32. In some configurations, the base tracks 34 may be anchored or, otherwise, attached to the floor surface 26. Similarly, a plurality of upper tracks 36 are operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns 32, at the opposite end of the vertical columns 32 from the base tracks 34. Note that some of the base tracks 34 and the upper tracks 36 are hidden from view in FIG. 4 to better illustrate other components.

A plurality of roof trusses 40 are operatively attachable to one or more of the vertical columns 32. In the example shown in the figures, and without limitation, the roof trusses 40 have a post 42 attached, or extending, therefrom. As best viewed in FIG. 5, the post 42—and each of the posts 42 of the roof trusses 40—is operatively mateable to the insertion track 33 of the vertical column 32.

Note that several of the components, particularly the base tracks 34, the upper tracks 36, and the roof trusses 40, extend further than shown in FIGS. 3-5, such that they provide support for the entire structure, as best viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2. The views shown in FIGS. 3-5 have abbreviated or cut-off components, in order to better illustrate the features of the skeletal structure 30.

Attachment or assembly of the skeletal structure 30 may occur via one or more base brackets 44 attached to the base tracks 34 and one or more upper brackets 46 attached to the upper tracks 36. In many configurations, but without limitation, each base track 34 will have two base brackets 44 and each upper track 36 will have two upper brackets 46. The base bracket 44 attaches the base track 34 to the vertical column 32 and the upper bracket 46 attaches the upper track 36 to the vertical column 32, such that each side of the respective brackets are attached to different vertical columns 32.

The upper brackets 46 and the base brackets 44 may be attached to the vertical columns 32 via attachment features, such as, for example, and without limitation: bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins. The dashed lines in FIG. 5 show one example of paths for the attachment features between the upper brackets 46 and base brackets 44 and the vertical columns 32.

Note that several cladding elements hide most of the skeletal structure 30 within the structure 10. Furthermore, the roof panels 14 are operatively attached to one or more of the roof trusses 40 or the upper tracks 36, and the wall panels 12 operatively attached to one or more of the base tracks 34, the upper tracks 36, or the vertical columns 32. In many instances, the wall panels 12 generally slot or fit between the base tracks 34 and the upper tracks 36, with the corner members 18, or other cladding elements, covering the intersections therebetween.

The door panel 16 may include some features that replace or substitute for one of the base tracks 34. For example, and without limitation, the lower portion of the door panel 16 may have a base member (not separately numbered) that provides better ingress/egress through the opening 17.

The wall panels 12 and the roof panels 14 may include various elements to provide different functional or aesthetic features for the structure 10. For example, and without limitation, the wall panels 12 may include: glass or plastic window elements; mesh screens; decorative design elements, including stenciling or metal work; substantially opaque panels to provide privacy within the structure 10; or combinations thereof. The door panel 16 may also include any of the wall panel 12 elements, in addition to swinging, sliding, flapping, or otherwise opening door elements.

The structure 10 may also be configured with additional elements, including, without limitation: heaters, various lights, or floor coverings. Additionally, furniture, such as tables and chairs, may be placed inside the structure 10, particularly where the structure 10 is used for dining or seating.

The elements of the skeletal structure 30, in addition to other elements of the structure 10, may be formed from any suitable materials recognizable by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the skeletal structure 30 may be formed from metal, such as aluminum, steel, or alloys thereof, and may be extruded or stamped into the preferred shape(s). Additionally, and without limitation, the skeletal structure 30 may be formed from polymer-based materials, such composites, reinforced polymers, or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the elements of the skeletal structure 30, in addition to other elements of the structure 10, may be coated for aesthetics, corrosion protection, or combinations thereof. For example, and without limitation, the skeletal structure 30 may be painted, powder coated, plated, or combinations thereof.

The upper brackets 46 and the base brackets 44 may be attached to the upper tracks 36 and the base tracks 34 via any suitable means, as recognized by skilled artisans. For example, and without limitation, the upper brackets 46 and the base brackets 44 may be attached via welding, adhesives, rivets or other fasteners, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the upper brackets 46 and the base brackets 44 may be formed directly, or integrally, with the material of the upper tracks 36 and the base tracks 34, such as, for example, and without limitation, cutting and folding portions of the upper tracks 36 and the base tracks 34 to form the upper brackets 46 and the base brackets 44.

While FIG. 1 shows the structure 10 having five sides, additional configurations of the structure 10 may be used. For example, and without limitation, three, four, or six sided structures 10 may be assembled. In many configurations, the structure 10 will be generally enclosed, like the structure 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, structures 10 having open portions, such as only three of the 5 sides shown in FIG. 1, may be formed within the scope of the disclosure.

Additionally, while the structure 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as freestanding—i.e., supported solely by the skeletal structure 30—other configurations may not be freestanding, or may be capable of being freestanding but are also supported by, or attached to, an additional structure. For example, and without limitation, a three-sided structure 10 may be assembled with wall panels 12 generally forming a U-shape, with the open side of the U-shape closed via attachment to another structure, such as a building.

Assembly of the structure 10 may occur in several ways, and any order of steps disclosed herein is not required. Note, also, that the assembly methods described herein refer to the five-sided structure 10 shown in FIG. 1 but may generally be applied to structures with other numbers of sides and, also, to both enclosed and open sided structures 10.

The structure 10 may be assembled by laying out at least two base tracks 34 on the floor surface 26, but possibly four or five base tracks. Up to three vertical columns 32 may be attached to the at least two base tracks 34. Attachment of the base tracks 34 to the vertical columns may occur with bolts, including along the dashed attachment lines shown in FIG. 5, or with other attachment features, such as spring-loaded pins.

Similarly, at least two upper tracks 36 may be attached to the vertical columns 32, opposite the base tracks 34. In some configurations the upper tracks 36 may be attached to the vertical columns 32 first. At least three roof trusses 40 may be attached to the vertical columns 32, substantially adjacent to the upper tracks 36. The roof trusses 40 may be capped or joined, such as with the ridge cap 20, opposite the side of the roof trusses 40 attached to the vertical columns 32. After assembling the upper tracks 36, base tracks 34, and vertical columns 32, the skeletal structure 30 will likely be freestanding. The freestanding skeletal structure 30 may be further stabilized by the addition of the roof trusses 40 and the ridge cap 20.

The wall panels 12 and the roof panels 14 may then be assembled to the skeletal structure 30. For example, the two wall panels 12 may be slotted between the vertical columns 32, such that the wall panels 12 abut one or more of the base tracks 34 and the upper tracks 36. Additionally, the two roof panels 14 may be placed between, or onto, the roof trusses 40, such that the roof panels 14 abut one or more of the upper tracks 36 and the roof trusses 40.

Note that the assembly process described herein is only one example of possible methods of assembly for the skeletal structure 30 and the structure 10. In many configurations, the wall panels 12 may be assembled to portions of the skeletal structure 30 prior to, for example, and without limitation, attachment of the upper tracks 36 to the vertical columns 32.

The skeletal structure 30, in addition to the entire structure 10, has several assembly and disassembly benefits. After assembly, the structure 10 is easily disassembled and broken down into individual components, such that it is easily transported, or easily stored, in relatively small space. The components of multiple structures 10 may be stacked together, such that multiple structures 10 may be transported or stored in compact space.

The skeletal structure 30, in addition to the entire structure 10, may be assembled with relatively simple tools. Where the components of the skeletal structure 30 are attached via bolts, as partially illustrated in FIG. 5, only standard tools are needed. Furthermore, where spring-loaded or push pins are used to assemble the skeletal structure 30, minimal tools may be required for both assembly and disassembly of the structure 10.

The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, various alternative designs, configurations, and embodiments exist for practicing the appended claims, as will be recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. 

1. A skeletal structure, comprising: a vertical column; an upper track operatively attachable to the vertical column; and a base track operatively attachable to the vertical column.
 2. The skeletal structure of claim 1, further comprising: an upper bracket attached to the upper track, wherein the upper bracket attaches the upper track to the vertical column; and a base bracket attached to the base track, wherein the base bracket attaches the base track to the vertical column.
 3. The skeletal structure of claim 2, wherein the vertical column is a plurality of vertical columns; wherein the upper track is a plurality of upper tracks, each attachable to one or more of the vertical columns; and wherein the base track is a plurality of base tracks, each attachable to one or more of the vertical columns.
 4. The skeletal structure of claim 3, wherein the skeletal structure is freestanding upon attachment of the upper tracks and the base tracks to the vertical columns.
 5. The skeletal structure of claim 4, further comprising: one or more wall panels operatively attached to one or more of the base tracks, the upper tracks, or the vertical columns.
 6. The skeletal structure of claim 5, further comprising: wherein the upper bracket is a plurality of upper brackets; wherein the base bracket is a plurality of base brackets; wherein the upper brackets may be attached to the vertical columns via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins; and wherein the base brackets may be attached to the vertical columns via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins.
 7. The skeletal structure of claim 6, wherein the wall panels slot between the base tracks and the upper tracks.
 8. The skeletal structure of claim 7, wherein at least one of the wall panels is a door panel defining an opening.
 9. The skeletal structure of claim 8, further comprising: a plurality of roof trusses having a post attached thereto, and wherein the vertical columns define an insertion track and the posts are operatively mateable to the insertion track of the vertical columns.
 10. The skeletal structure of claim 9, further comprising: one or more roof panels operatively attached to one or more of the roof trusses or the upper tracks.
 11. The skeletal structure of claim 5, wherein at least one of the wall panels is a door panel defining an opening.
 12. A method of assembling a shelter structure, comprising: laying at least two base tracks on a floor surface; attaching at least three vertical columns to the at least two base tracks; and attaching at least two upper tracks to the vertical columns, opposite the base tracks.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein attaching the upper tracks to the vertical columns occurs via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins; and wherein attaching the vertical columns to the base tracks occurs via one or more of bolts, pins, or spring-loaded pins.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: slotting at least two wall panels between the vertical columns, such that the wall panels abut one or more of the base tracks or the upper tracks.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the wall panels is a door panel defining an opening.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: attaching at least three roof trusses to the vertical columns, substantially adjacent the upper tracks.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the vertical columns define an insertion track, the roof trusses have a post attached thereto, and attaching the roof trusses to the vertical columns occurs by inserting the post into the insertion track.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: slotting at least two roof panels between the roof trusses, such that the roof panels abut one or more of the upper tracks or the roof trusses. 